USA v. Canada World Baseball Classic Preview
Written March 6, 2009 by Jack Jones
On Saturday, March 7th the United States will be taking on Canada in the first round of the World Baseball Classic. Team USA will be sending Jake Peavy to the mound to take on Mike Johnson. The US team has as much talent as any other country in the tournament, but the same was true back in 2006 when they didn’t even make it to the semi-finals. That embarrassment was largely due to a 8-6 loss to Canada so don’t think they won’t have revenge on their minds Saturday for this first game. Of course in 2006 Canada had Erik Bedard and Jeff Francis, but this time will be sending out Johnson and Scott Richmond. Team USA should be able to hit Johnson, who has a 7-14 record and 6.85 ERA in 81 major league games. Bet the World Baseball Classic at Sportsbook.com for a chance to win tickets to opening day!
Peavy wasn’t at his best last time around either. He didn’t pick up a win in the tournament and had a gave up 3 runs in eight innings. He was coming off two major surgeries and ended up going 11-14 for the Padres that year. Peavy is taking it upon himself to perform at a high level this year, starting with Game 1.
The good news for Team Canada fans is that the lineup is dominated by lefties, which could fare well against the right-handed Peavy. Former AL MVP and last year’s runner-up Justin Morneau leads the way, along with NL Rookie of the Year runner-up Joey Votto, and Matt Stairs. The team also has some right-handed pop with Jason Bay and Russell Martin. With those kind of guys in the lineup Team Canada might be worth a look at such a steep underdog price, especially with the game being played in Canada.
Team Canada is going to be forced to play some of their players in unique positions. Votto is a first basemen but with Morneau holding down that spot he’ll move to left. Bay will slide over to center from left. Martin has a sprained foot that will force him to DH, meaning Luke Carlin will be the starting catcher.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
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